In a world. . .

In a world. . .

• where Act 48 hours require teachers to keep their credentials current
• where Web 2.0 courses enable teachers to improve their technology skills
• where blogging projects are "de rigueur" to communicate and collaborate with peers

this blog was BORN. Last. Year.

Okay, so it's been a while since I availed myself to the podium of commentary that is blogging. However, there is no time like the present to remedy this situation. I am excited about the many websites, apps and ideas with which I have spent time during the blog hiatus, and am ready to go.

Beginning on Monday, I hope to have a regular weekday commentary ready to go. Until then, I would like to start by introducing my Friday feature, Fun Friday.

Fun Friday:  Super Bowl = Super Math Opportunities

The Big Game is this weekend. If you live in the United States, it does not get any bigger in the sports world than the Super Bowl. (Disclaimer: I am a Coal Region girl, and we are genetically predisposed to football mania. Ergo, it is THE sport of sports. That is all.) Here are 3 ways to bring the excitement (and built-in interest) of America's game to your classroom or home:

1. Jersey Math, anyone?

Joe Flacco + Ray Lewis = ____
Ahem. Obviously, the answer is 57 (5 + 52, their jersey numbers).

Have students check out the NFL player charts for the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, then create math problems using only the players names. Why? Not only do children receive math drill and skill practice in a fun format, but they also get some practice in reading tables and retrieving data. So, what is the square root of Anquan Boldin? :)

2. Your more advanced math (and diehard football) students can also create word problems using game scenarios, Super Bowl facts and the scoreboard (for post-game math fun and analysis). Expect this to be a crossover lesson into your Humanities minutes for the day, working on clarity, word choice and writing conventions.

3. Speaking of writing, there are so many ways to use the rich vocabulary of football to make word searches, haikus and other writing projects. You may even pull in the reluctant reader or writer by offering them a topic where they are already "resident expert" in your learning setting. Even Super Bowl recipe webpages offer an opportunity for students to create their own Super Sundae or other treat and practice writing directions -- and you can cross back into that STEM time with a fractions or measurement conversion lesson.